Students at the University of Kansas confronted school leaders amid a brewing controversy over the handling of sexual assault cases on campus.

The university is now the subject of a federal investigation into its handling of a rape case last October in which Douglas County did not file charges and the university allowed the accused student to remain on campus, despite reports he admitted to doing it.

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At a forum on the subject on campus safety and sexual assault Thursday, Chancellor Bernadette Grey-Little addressed those who believe justice is not being served for rape victims at KU.

"The people who work in positions that investigate cases of sexual assault have the best interest of the students and the university community at heart," she said.

"I think no matter what the university's talking point is, that plagiarism is treated much more severely than sexual assaults on this campus," said senior Katherine Gwynn.

Gwynn is one of the students critical of how the school has handled sexual assault cases.

Last year, KU investigated 397 cases of plagiarism and expelled two students. It looked into 12 complaints of sexual violence and expelled six students. From 2002 to 2012, there were 10 rapes reported to campus police.

"It's probably the most serious events that happen on this campus," said University of Kansas Police Chief Ralph Oliver. "Nothing gets a higher priority."

Students said they're troubled that university leaders refuse to use the word rape in non-legal investigations, instead describing the crime as nonconsensual sex.

"When a robbery happens on campus, we don't call it nonconsensual giving," said Rachel Schwaller.

"We're not adjudicating crimes," said Jane McQueeny of Institutional Opportunity and Access. "In our process, no one is subject to cross-examination. We don't have the authority to compel witnesses or (issue) subpoenas."

Students said they want to see changes.

"By not calling it rape, you're hiding the crime that's taken place," said Schwaller.

The Emily Taylor Women's Resource Center handed out pamphlets about ending sexual assault, urging women to use the buddy system, report sex crimes and to become educated and active. There is a 23-hour crisis hotline on campus for victims of sex crimes at 785-843-8985.